Hp Analysis

Contents 1. 0 Company background2 1. 1 Introduction2 2. 0 Strategy identification3 2. 1 HP Marketing mix3 2. 1. 1Product3 2. 1. 2 Place4 2. 1. 3 Price4 2. 1. 4 Promotion4 2. 2 E-Customer Relationship Management5 2. 3 Virtual Communities5 3. 0 Environmental Analysis6 4. 0 Segmentation and targeting, differentiation and positioning7 4. 1 Market segmentation7 4. 1. 1 Demographic8 4. 1. 2 Psychographic segmentation9 4. 1. 3 Geographic segmentation9 4. 1. 4 Positioning for the future9 4. 1. 5 Future differentiation9 5. Objectives and E-marketing Strategies10 5. 1 Corporate objectives10 5. 2 E-CRM recommendations11 6. 0 Implementation and Evaluation12 6. 1 Electronic Commerce Solution integrated with SMS12 6. 2 e-Recommendation via find store searching tool14 7. 0 Conclusion16 8. 0 References17 9. 0 Appendix19 Hewlett-Packard 1. 0 Company background 1. 1 Introduction Though the company is a market leader, they are still trying everything possible to keep that consistency or even to improve more so that they can beat their competitors and satisfy their customers. To achieve this, the company is applying some business concepts which we will look into in depth to see how it is benefiting from them. The business concepts are as follow, and we will discuss them sequentially; * Strategy identification (E-marketing strategies) * Environmental Analysis * Segmentation and targeting, differentiation and positioning * Objectives and E-marketing Strategies * Implementation and evaluation 2. 0 Strategy identification 2. 1 HP Marketing mix 4Ps PROMOTION PRODUCT PLACE PRICE 2. 1. 1Product According to (Jones, 2005), Hewlett Packard unlike other companies serves everyone from customers, small and mid-sized businesses, to enterprises and public sectors with an extensive portfolio of market leading solution. Through their website (www. hp. com), they provide clear facts about their products, customers can know immediately about products information and specification, not a sales persons assumptions. For more clarification, there is a customer service where they can find out more. HP is also offering customization to meet customers wants, customers are allowed to design and see the outlook of their products before they can order. The buying process is also customised for returning buyers, making repeat purchasing more easily. On the other hand, HP is providing products support to its customer. It offers services such as; * HP Support Assistant – With HP Support Assistant, it is easy for customers to keep their PC running smoothly, optimize PC performance, automate support tasks and get assistance when they need help. * HP Total care Support – through this support, HP offers videos to customers so that they can enjoy and troubleshoot the computer, imaging and printing equipment. 2. 1. 2 Place As international trading is increasing all around the world, and trade barriers have come down, that has helped HP to introduce its products to a great extent. Hewlett Packard and its customers can easily interact via a web based platform (www. hp. com) and seal their deal online. With this website, HP can provide international customers with great deal of information, and easy ways of ordering at a very little expense. On the other hand HP Company have authorized and registered agent partners, who sell HP products on its behalf to customers, particularly to small and medium business. . 1. 3 Price When comes to pricing strategy of HP products, prices are reasonable based on the quantity and quality consumers are buying. Customers can enjoy discount and allowance pricing based on what they are buying, customers who buy in bulk are offered quantity discount. Also channel members like national and sub distributors who perform further selling are handed with functional discount To take a dvantage further more on pricing, HP use segment pricing, where household and industrial customers pay different prices for the same product as their earns are different. According to Pricing strategies: Hewlett Packard (Anon, 2009), One of the options HP is giving its consumers is pay-per-use utility pricing  which charges consumers for actual usage on a monthly basis. This technology works by measuring the percentage of utilization on each Central Processing Unit. The advantage for HP customers is that they will only pay for processing they are utilizing. They also have the option to use additional processors, therefore processing is not limited. In addition, different versions of the same products priced differently with respect to the configuration of components. . 1. 4 Promotion Hewlett Packard use different methods to promote their products to users, here are as follows; * Publics relations – â€Å"The HP Media Relations department provides journalists and editors with assistance in referencing background information of the company, it is setting up interviews with HP executives or scientists, securing press materials, and checking fac ts. † (HP newsroom, 2011) * Advertising – along with mass production of its products, HP is promoting its products via internet, including a website with videos and navigation sorted by business application. Sales promotion – through HP trade-In-frequently asked questions, HP is attempting to provide added value or motivation to consumers to stimulate sales. It is doing this by providing answers to questions which are mostly asked by customers, thus putting them in a good position to gain customer loyalty and form a strong relationship with them. 2. 2 E-Customer Relationship Management â€Å"E-CRM is a strategy used by online businesses to learn more about customers’ needs and behaviours in order to build a good relationship with them†(Romano and Fjermestad, 2002). As stated by (janjicek, n. d), records from HP customer relationship model which was built on experiences attained from CRM project engagements globally shows that the customer relationship is strengthened by relationship building tactics, which are continuously measured through time. E- CRM in HP supports effective customer interaction for sales and marketing automation thus forming a strong customer relationship, which leads to acceptable customer loyalty, profitability and retention. Hp is offering the following E-CRM to its customers; customer centred services, which involve products shape and customization, and value added services, which includes online training and education. This E-CRM addresses the requirements of enhancing and changing the customer experience by providing the functionality required to effectively interact with the customer, during the Sales and Marketing process. HP effectively interacts with their customers by fulfilling the following: * Knowing their customer’s needs and pro-actively engage their customer. * Knowing their customer and also their conversations/interactions with HP. Is not only to build a better relationship with customers, but also to serve them effectively. * They use the knowledge gained during customer interaction to improve the interaction and relationship with the customer. 2. 3 Virtual Communities HP Enterprise Business Community- this community is for customers who have questions, as it provides answers or those customers seeking for advice. â€Å"Through Enterprise Business Community connection, the user can find information and connect with other users, share thoughts, exchange knowledge and have a chance to speak to the experts. (Hp. com, 2011) HP Virtual Community Interest Group– according to (HP BladeSystem, 2011) this community is focused on Virtual Connect, bringing the newest, ground-breaking blade interconnect technology on the market to customers. HP is keep in touch with its customer through this community, listening to what they have to say, a complaint or complement, then they give feedback on the Virtual Connect sol ution, and we will keep their customers updated on the latest improvements and tools. 3. 0 Environmental Analysis As the researcher stated earlier on, HP is a leading consumer technology company in the world, offering a range of technology tools, from digital cameras to PCs to handheld devices. However, it is important to see how the company is managing to keep peace with this fast developing of technology and able to beat its competitors. To analyse this, the researcher will use a SWOT analysis as a tool â€Å"to evaluate the overall company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. It involves monitoring the external and internal marketing environment. (Kotler and Keller, 2006) A SWOT analysis will provides an overall view of HP, and the factors can be useful in detecting the extent and type of barriers to work effectiveness that might exist there. 4. 0 Segmentation and targeting, differentiation and positioning 4. 1 Market segmentation Hp as a large firm with many customers, it is catering for them based on their demographic, behaviour, geographical, psychographic. 4. 1. 1 D emographic Some of Hp products and services are divided in such a way that they meet a certain group of customers, either based on their age, occupation, income, religion or social class. A typical example is an Hp mini notebook pc which was introduced to target education market. The personal computer is more accessible to school students, both the selling price and design wise. â€Å"HP has entered the arena with the announcement of the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC, a full-function, small-format laptop PC priced from under US$500. † (McKeegan, 2008) Hp also has divided their service branch into four main areas to better serve their customers, they include: 4. 1. 2 Psychographic segmentation Hp is catering different people of different interests and values, for example youngsters who prefer stylish design, more features on entertainment as well as businessmen who are looking for favour elegant and formal design so that they can make improvement in their official tools and applications. 4. 1. 3 Geographic segmentation Hp targets their market mostly in urban areas where people can afford to buy their products and have knowledge and skill to use them. It is especially targeting big cities with class of people who live high standards lives and are seeking for the self-esteem and self-actualization levels of needs. . 1. 4 Positioning for the future HP’s sustainability strategy has already established the company as a clear thought leader in the industry, giving them an advantage that leads to first-mover opportunities and first pick of top suppliers, employees and partners. â€Å"HP will continue making different infrastructure and distribution strategies, which will further aligns its operations with emerging best practices, giving it a competitive edge, and opening new growth horizons† (Lowitt and Grimsley, 2009). Hp has also positioned itself as an environment friendly company, which through the use of technology, â€Å"they believe there is an opportunity for IT to be a significant part of the solution in providing energy efficiency, reduction of resource conservation and substitution of high carbon by low-carbon processes. † (Accenture, 2010) 4. 1. 5 Future differentiation Hp is planning to come up with a massive Touchpad which according their European chief it will become better than Apple product, iPad. In his statement reported by Reisinger (2011) he said â€Å"In the tablet world, we are going to become better than number one. We call it number one plus† â€Å"HP indicated its intentions for the tablet market in February when they make public of their touchpad. The device runs the company's WebOS operating system and comes with a 9. 7-inch display. When it hits store shelves sometime this summer, it will include the Qualcomm Snapdragon dual-core 1. 2 GHz processor and both front- and rear-facing cameras. † (Reisinger, 2011) The device also supports a new HP Touchstone Touch-to-Share proximity-based sharing feature, which allows compatible devices to instantly exchange data, media, and information. 5. 0 Objectives and E-marketing Strategies . 1 Corporate objectives Source: (HP, 2011) 5. 2 E-CRM recommendations Hp as a click and mortar company which has position its self as the best in the industry and aiming to gain its customer’s loyalty, needs to provide the best services to continue with their good relation with its customers. One of the improvements that need to be taken into account is the find store search, Hp have many physical stores all over the world, so it will be a better idea if they can implement an e-recommendation via find store search on their website so that customer can easily find the physical store nearest to where they are. That will help the company to increase the profit as some customer do not feel comfortable with buying online, but preferring to buy from a physical store. Hp can also implement the SMS tool, which will allow customers to key in their mobile number after shopping from Hp website, and then the automation message will be sent to them as part of appreciation of shopping from Hp. This tool will help Hp to serve targeted market and boost customer loyalty. 6. 0 Implementation and Evaluation 6. 1 Electronic Commerce Solution integrated with SMS Gantt chart Proposed system A buyer ECS integrated with SMS Administration desk Message sending to buyer’s mobile Clicking appreciation message Reporting buying confirmation Process buying until it is accepted Process flow The process will start when the customer process his/her buying, through the process stage, particular at filling in details stage, the customer will have to submit his/her phone number, then follow the normal stages of online buying via Hp website. As the buying has completed and accepted, the deal will confirmed with the company Electronic Commerce Solution integrated with SMS system, which will send a report alert message to the person at the administration desk. The person at the administration desk will then click the already automated message of appreciation, and then tracked by ECS system and deliver to the targeted customer’s mobile number. Evaluation To ensure the effectiveness of this e-CRM, HP will look at the loyalty of the customer, for example, if the customers return again to buy from the company, it will convince that he/she is happy with the service and attention he/she was given last time, thus he/she is encouraged to come again. On the other hand, HP can do primary research, which will include survey and questionnaire about this project. Through those methods of data gathering, the company will able to know exactly what the customers feel about the service. 6. 2 e-Recommendation via find store searching tool Gantt chart Proposed system Customers Searching tool Locations database Search by selecting/ type in location name Checking searched information from the database Not available Found Process flow Customers who want to visit the nearest store to their locations will able to search by using their state name as a target; they will either select their state or type in the name if it is not available in the drop down menu. The searching tool will then check the stores available from the locations database, if there is no stores in that area, the customer will receive a notification, but if there are stores available, the customer will be provide with relevant information to reach that store, e. g. directions. Evaluation To consider this e-CRM as a success, HP will judge it by number of clicks done by customers, if they are more clicks being done by customers; it means that the system is considered as helpful by customers. Also they research can be carried out at HP physical stores, asking customers about how did they managed to reach the place, if most answers will emphasize that is through a store find search from the website, then the system will be considered as a success and beneficial to the company. Conclusion HP is a large company, which according to the research put its customers first in whatever they are doing. Their main success in the industry has led by good customer service and relationship. The company still have a strong desire to satisfy their customers even more, they always coming up with new ideas to match customers’ demands and needs. But on the other hand, even though the company is doing well in the market, I strongly feel that their website is not user friendly. As a customer and a researcher, I found it hard to interact with their website; it has too much link and a bit confusing. Word count: 2552 References Books 1. Dave Chaffey, Richard Mayer, Kevin Johnston, Fiona Ellis-Chadwick, 2003, Internet Marketing: Strategy, Implementation and Practice, 2nd ed. Pearson Education Limited, England, pp 7 2. Armstrong, G. and Kotler, P. , 2009. Marketing: An Introduction, 9th ed. Pearson Prentice Hall, United states of America, pp 80 3. Kotler, P. and Keller, K, L. 2006. Marketing Management, 12th ed. Pearson Prentice Hall, United States of America, pp 50 Internet Resources 1. Ken Jones, 2005, CMA helps Hewlett Packard Implement Solutions Marketing Strategy in Government, available at ;http://www. cmai. com/Newsletter/HPCaseStudy. pdf; last accessed on the 25 May 2011 2. (Anon, 2009) Pricing strategies: Hewlett Packard, available at ;http://arianagoldstein. blogspot. com/2009/04/pricing-strategies-hewlett-packard. html; last accessed on the 27 May 2011 3. Rose janjicek, n. d, CRM architecture for enterprise relationship marketing in the new millennium, available at ;http://h20338. ww2. hp. com/enterprise/downloads/CRMArchitecture_Whitepaper_HPC. pdf;last accessed on the 29 May 2011 4. Accenture, 2010, Hewlett-Packard: Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage, available at ;https://microsite. accenture. com/sustainability/Documents/HewlettPackard_Sustainability_as_a_Competitive_Advantage. pdf; last accessed on the 30 May 2011 5. Romano, N. C. , and Fjermestad, J. , â€Å"Electronic Customer Relationship Management: An Assessment of Research,† International Journal of Electronic Commerce, 6, 2 (2002),pp 61-113 6. HP BladeSystem, 2011, where the worldwide HP blade community meets, available at ;http://h18000. ww1. hp. com/products/blades/components/bladeconnect. html; last accessed on the 30 M ay 2011 7. Noel McKeegan, 2008, HP targets education market with new Mini-notebook PC, available at ;http://www. gizmag. com/hp-targets-education-market-with-new-mini-notebook-pc/9140/; last accessed on the 4 June 2011 8. Eric M. Lowitt and Jim Grimsley, 2009, Hewlett-Packard: Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage, available at ;http://www. hp. com/hpinfo/globalcitizenship/environment/commitment/accenturestudy. pdf; last accessed on the 4th June 2011 9. HP, 2011, HP Corporate Objectives and Shared Values, available at http://www8. p. com/us/en/hp-information/about-hp/corporate-objectives. html last accessed on the 4th June 2011 10. HP newsroom, 2011, Contact HP media relations, available at ;http://www. hp. com/hpinfo/newsroom/media. html; last accessed on the 11 June 2011 11. Raman, M. , 2011, International Business Times: Tablet Shootout: Apple's iPad 2 Vs HP's TouchPad, available at ;http://www. ibtimes. com/articles/118866/20110304/ipad-2-touchpad-apple-hp-xoom-motorola-ipho ne-tablets-pc-steve-jobs-samsung-galaxy-tab-rim-playbook. htm; last accessed on the 16th June 2011 Appendix Virtual communities HP on twitter – provides authorized news and any updates from HP official news. New users are allowed to sign up, while those who have accounts already they just need to sign in so that they can follow and have their say on updates and official news. Through this community, HP is able to connect and inform its customers, thus forming a good relationship. * HP on facebook – with this community, users who have facebook accounts and have liked the HP page on facebook, are able to find out what is happening around HP, view photos and learn what HP is doing to help them live green. Also users are allowed to post their feedback on HP’s profile, and HP is using them to analyse their contribution to the society and make improvements where necessary. The comparison between Apple's iPad 2 and HP's TouchPad Specifications| iPad 2| HP TouchPad| OS| iOS 4. 3| WebOS 3. 0| Network| Wi-Fi only, GSM (AT;T), CDMA (Verizon)| GSM| Screen Size| 9. 7-inch| 9. 7-inch| Resolution| 1024Ãâ€"768| 1024Ãâ€"768| Processor| Apple A5 dual core 1 GHz| Qualcomm Snapdragon dual core APQ8060 1. 2 GHz| Storage| 16GB/32GB/64GB| 16GB/32GB| RAM| N/A| 1GB| Rear Camera| 720p| None| Front Camera| VGA| 1. 3mp| Video Recording| 720p| N/A| Adobe Flash Support| No| Yes| Wi-Fi| 802. 11 a/b/g/n| 802. 11b/g/n with WPA, WPA2, WEP, 802. 1X authentication| Sensors| Light, Accelerometer, compass, gyroscope| Light, Accelerometer, compass, gyroscope| Bluetooth| 2. 1+EDR| 2. 1+EDR| TV Out| 1080p, HDMI, VGA| No| Weight| 1. 33 pounds| 1. 6 pounds| Battery| 25 watt hour| 6,300 mAh Battery| Price| Wi-FI only version starts at $499| N/A| Availability| March 11, 2011 (US), March 25 Worldwide| Summer| Source: (Raman, 2011)

British Airways And Iberia Airlines Merger Accounting Essay

There used to be a clip when British air passages ( BA ) could asseverate to be â€Å" the universe ‘s favorite air hose † , as its streamers conceitedly confirmed. However, taking the present economic scenario BA is undergoing a figure of jobs in the industry. British air passages are still fighting with the bequest of province ownership even after it has been privatised for last twenty old ages. Even recession has hard-hit the air hose industry and to get the better of the losingss that British air hoses had faced during recession ; it had decided to cut down on its cost by cut downing cabin crew and by detering an addition in the wage. However this acted as a accelerator in the industrial differences and the consequence of which is still really much felt in the day-to-day concern of BA ; there have been a figure of dead ends and work stoppages within the air hoses which have left riders to make up one's mind on for other air hoses. ( ECONOMIST, 2009 ) Due to economic crisis concern coming from North American paths was hard-hit due to a autumn in the business-class travel. However, this could be recovered with the recovery of American economic system every bit good as resuscitating the long-haul travel which makes a major portion of BA net incomes. One of BA ‘s major jobs is â€Å" Pension Deficit † . BA has besides been confronting tough competition from low-cost air hoses that have been supplying clients with cheaper menus on short-haul travel. So, the lone remedy to get the better of such losingss is seen in making or teaming up with a low cost spouse. ( ECONOMIST, 2009 ) Iberian air hoses have been enduring from lower air cost travel demand every bit good. It has reported a thrashing of 16.4 million euro in the 3rd one-fourth compared to gross of 30.4 million euro earned in the earlier one-fourth. The standard menus of this air hose have declined by 14 % and even the burden factor i.e. how filled the air-crafts are, declined to e very bit much as 1.1 % points to 82.1 % . To get by up with the recognition crunch it has decided to stop dead the rewards for 2010 and 2011 therefore heightening one-year nest eggs up to 37 million euro by 2011. It besides plans to make new air hose to provide to the demands of the traffic of Madrid Hub.( MENAFN, 2009 ) British air passages decided to fall in custodies with Iberian air hoses as a consequence of recognition crunch. By coming together they would come in the conference of large European air hoses. The amalgamation with the Spain based air hoses was looked upon as an appealing blend a twelvemonth ago. However, taking the present province of personal businesss it seems to be worth a joint deliverance procedure. This is so because both of their air hoses economic systems are still under the influence of fiscal crisis ; fighting with costs higher than the income. Iberia is still non moved by Mr. Willie Walsh ‘s, main executive of BA, dissensions with the brotherhood . It still holds optimistic position towards BA ‘s major job of â€Å" Pension Deficit † . However if we consider the articles or the memoranda of the amalgamation which was signed in November '09 between the two companies, Iberia has the right to name of the contract if BA is unable to run into up to the demands of the legal guardians refering the two pension financess. As recalculated on December 14th '09 by the legal guardians, the deficit of the two financess was declared to be at & A ; lb ; 3.7 billion, based on March 31st '09 rating. Presently BA is seting in hard currency worth & A ; lb ; 131m a twelvemonth. The Pension Regulator is assisting to reason whether the rating performed by the legal guardians is satisfactory or non and what farther actions are required to get the better of the recognition crunch. In this context, Iberian air hoses say that it can make up one's mind to name of the trade if BA lands up paying more hard currency.( ECONOMIST, 2009 ) Airlines amalgamations and acquisitions are based upon schemes which involves several conditions. Airlines M & A ; A is good for both travelers and air hose employees. The issues which are considered while air power M & A ; A are â€Å" clip, blessings, efficiency, competition, rider benefits, and struggles. † Amalgamations and acquisition in air hose industry is an emerging development across the universe. But such M & A ; A are highly planned and several of import factors are considered. Such of import factors are: The BA and Iberia treaty will make a bearer of $ 25 billion, for case. This trade makes a batch of sense and will cement the taking places of the large three European web participants. The amalgamation seems to take topographic point when the air hose sector is severely hit by the lessening in figure of riders and lading traffic. Apart of that the amalgamation became the demand of the hr, British air passages reported a 20 % diminution in grosss to 4.1 billion lbs ensuing in an operating loss of 111 million lbs in the six month period stoping at September 2009. Harmonizing to analyst Tony Shepard at the British securities firm house Charles Stanley, the company is likely to describe a 400 million lb loss for its full financial twelvemonth stoping in April 2010. British air pas sages of import North American paths and concern have been difficult hit by the prostration in business-class travel. This could resile back rapidly with economic recovery in America and, provided that cost additions from environmental steps are non excessively burdensome ; the long-haul travel on which BA ‘s profitableness depends should resuscitate in clip. But, like all former national bearers in Europe, it is confronting lay waste toing competition on its short-haul flights from low-priced air hoses. .On the other manus the amalgamation is decidedly in demand by Iberia besides as the air hoses faces adversities because air hose sector in Spain is confronting â€Å" exceptionally hard † conditions amid the economic crisis and competition from high-velocity rail. Iberian air hoses fiscal place is rather weak as the company had plunged into the ruddy in the 2nd one-fourth of 2009, entering a immense net loss of 72.8 million Euros. Afterwards the company declared its 3r d one-fourth consequences where it reported a loss of 16.4 million Euros ( 24.4 milliondollars ) ( hypertext transfer protocol: //www.bangkokpost.com/business/aviation/159895/british-airways-iberia-agree-to-merge ) Due to such utmost losingss and no marks of recovery in the market, the amalgamation was seen as a best strategic move by Iberia. The planned amalgamation with Iberia, the Spanish air hose, looked as if it would be a victorious combination a twelvemonth ago when it was foremost mooted. Today it seems more like a common deliverance operation. Both air hoses ‘ national economic systems are still in the stagnation ; both houses are fighting with costs greater than their grosss. It is besides moderately sanguine about BA ‘s other large job: its tremendous pension shortage. But harmonizing to the amalgamation memoranda signed in November, Iberia can name off the nuptials if BA can non make a satisfactory understanding with the legal guardians of its two pension fin ancess. As on 9th November 2009 there was an official proclamation that both of them ( British air passages and Iberian air hoses ) reached an initial understanding for a amalgamation which is planned to be completed by late 2010.As per the market this amalgamation, which will necessitate the European Commission ‘s seal of blessing, will take to the creative activity of the universe ‘s 3rd biggest air hose. The trade would see the new company being split with Iberia being allocated a 45 % interest and BA the staying 55 % . The new concern would hold 419 aircraft and over 200 finishs. In their last fiscal old ages, their joint grosss are about ˆ15 billion. The air hoses believe there is a compelling strategic principle for the dealing, which is expected to bring forth one-year synergisms of about ˆ400 million, and profit both companies ‘ stockholders, clients and employees. ( hypertext transfer protocol: //news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8356780.stm ) The new group will unite the two companies ‘ taking places in the UK and Spain and heighten their strong presence in the international long draw markets, while retaining the single trade names and current operations of each air hose. In July 2008 there was intelligence of brace being in negotiations for an all-share amalgamation. But, because of issues such as the balance of control and the size of BA ‘s pension-fund shortage the treatments were put at a halt. As per the current market scenario rider traffic appears to hold stabilized, and air hoses have been able to convert their work forces that the industry is in crisis, forcing through some labour grants and cut downing capacity. BA is doing â€Å" echt advancement † in take downing costs, says analyst Nick Cunningham of Evolution Securities. As per the British air passages ongoing activities it seems the state of affairs of the company has started bettering after proclamation of the amalgamation, the company h as recapitalized ; following a exchangeable bond offering over the summer last twelvemonth and now has a hard currency balance of 1.5 billion lbs. In add-on the company has seen an addition in long draw flights which is one of the major countries where air hose companies make most of the net income. ( hypertext transfer protocol: //www.smartmoney.com/investing/stocks/market-update-friday-nov-13-2009-20162/ ) Rivals in the market have a really assorted reaction towards the amalgamation of both the air hose. Virgin Atlantic which as per the market position faces the biggest competition from this amalgamation its functionary said in a statement that the amalgamation will â€Å" increase BA ‘s laterality at Heathrow with 44 % of takeoff and set downing slots this winter, † and added its â€Å" impossible for any other air hose to retroflex their graduated table. † Other air hose companies have the position that the trade could really assist them win concern. Michael O'Leary, CEO of price reduction Irish bearer Ryanair, told CNBC that the trade was like â€Å" two rummies keeping each other up on the manner place. All you get when you put two high-fare, loss-making air hoses together is even higher menus and even bigger losingss. Mr. Leary operates a regional bearer and does n't vie on long-haul flights against bearers like BA. Though these statement can be said as guess in one sense as the true consequence of this amalgamation is still to be seen. But as per in a public proclamation by BA main executive Willie Walsh â€Å" The amalgamation will make a strong European air hose good able to vie in the twenty-first century † . The trade would make Europe ‘s 2nd biggest air hose by stock market capitalization, and 3rd biggest by income, with around 60 million riders per twelvemonth, As per market experts. The Times quoted assorted intelligence on different day of the months sing occupation cuts which were probably at bing caput offices in London and Madrid, in care installations and the incorporate gross revenues forces.In reappraisal of intelligence Mr. Walsh will be main executive, and Iberia air hoses president Mr. Antonio Vazquez will be president of the new company to be based in London and listed on the London Stock Exchange. MR.Vazquez hailed the understanding, stating they were â€Å" puting the foundations of what will be one of the most of import air hoses in the universe, a existent planetary air hose. † ( hypertext transfer protocol: //www.smartmoney.com/investing/stocks/market-update-friday-nov-13-2009-20162/ ) It is said that if the amalgamation consequences fruitful and the economic system begins its recovery in 2010 or possibly 2011 so it will be a major encouragement to both of them. One thing can be predicted that If the trade gets successfully executed the clients are traveling to hold a broad assortment of finishs as BA clients would derive entree to up to 59 new finishs, of which 13 will be in Latin America, while Iberia ‘s clients would derive up to 98 new finishs across the BA web. In add-on to it the effects of amalgamation will ensue in combined stock market capitalization of some 4.9 billion Euros ( 4.3 billion lbs, 7.2 billion dollars ) . Different Approaches To Covering With The ProblemHarmonizing to the current state of affairs at that place appears to be merely one job which is doing the trade hard to put to death. British Airways the UK flag-carrier pension shortage was revealed and it was found that the shortage was more than double amounting to 3.7 billion lbs at the terminal of March, which was higher than analysts expected but it is non a bug adequate to be a ground for stoping up of the amalgamation with Spanish air hose Iberia. As told to Reuters by a beginning in Iberia air hoses â€Å" We ‘re non surprised by this figure. It falls within the expected scope, † As it is already implied before, BA ‘s pension shortage is the important country in the dialogue of amalgamation and Iberia has the right to draw of the amalgamation if the payment of this shortage turns to be excessively large. Furthermore, there are opportunities that the shortage figure could originate till the clip the rating procedure is completed in following twelvemonth in June because as per Britain ‘s Pensions Regulator the premise which is used to cipher the shortage are excessively optimistic. I n position of this BA said in a statement â€Å" The regulator ‘s probationary position is that the proficient commissariats may be materially below a degree it feels appropriate, † As per the job the British air passages direction is seeking to calculate out different ways to work out the job. As per in one of the proclamations BA said that the company and the pension legal guardians will work together to develop a recovery program, a procedure through which the company will confer with its employees and their trade brotherhoods and will seek to take out a determination from it by the terminal of June 30, 2010. The scheme which is employed now is to alter the nature of any pension ‘s trade BA can strike with its staff and ciphering the proportion of spread which can be covered by the company. As said by Deutsche Bank â€Å" The Company may be forced to renegociate pension benefits with employees if it is to avoid utilizing more stockholders hard currency, † Academic Studies Supporting The ArticleThe world that merely 20 per cent of the acquisitions really win and the remainder erodes stockholder wealth ( Grubb and Lamb, 2000 ) can extremely conflict with illustrations of successful coup d'etats like Swiss by Lufthansa in 2005.Talking about amalgamations, they create stockholder value with most of it accruing to the attendant company. One of the of import grounds behind unifying a company is that it helps in increasing stockholder ‘s value much above the sum sum of the two companies.( Watson and Head,2007 ) The optimistic impact of amalgamations extends to and involves economic systems of graduated table or synergisms, helps to derive power in the markets by making monopolies, manages bureau costs and manages hazard for undiversified directors( Gregor Anrade, Mark Mitchell, Erik Stafford, 2001 ) . Amalgamations create synergisms, cut down operational costs and enhance market portion. On the other manus it consequences in the generation of bureau jobs as the directors can do amalgamations for their ain benefit. It besides consequences in decentralization of power that reduces duty and answerability. Merger which can be defined as when two ( or perchance more ) concern combine. In other words one can state that ‘merger ‘ is defined as a state of affairs when two companies/firms decide by common understanding to unite the concerns. The term ‘takeover ‘ holds a different significance in comparing to ‘merger ‘ . It means when a larger concern takes over control of a smaller concern and the smaller concern gets immersed by the larger concern. But in today ‘s epoch it is non cleared that whether the concern has been merged or it has been taken over. Harmonizing to the relationship between the concerns being merged, amalgamations and coup d'etats can be divided into three parts and they are:Horizontal amalgamationoccurs when two concerns in the similar industry, and at the Same point in the production procedure decides to unite.Vertical amalgamationoccurs when two concerns in the similar industry, but at different points in the same production procedure decide to unite.Conglomerate amalgamationoccurs when two concerns in unrelated industries decide to unite.As it can be implied from the academic surveies back uping the article the amalgamation between British air passages and Iberia air hoses is Horizontal type of amalgamation as both the companies are from the air hoses sector taking to same production procedure and they have got high presence at international degree. Application of Data to ModelHarmonizing to research, the last few old ages were n't an acceptable period for the air line industry as a consequence of quickly increasing fuel costs and due to economic downswing. Airline amalgamations and acquisitions have clustered and most of the air hose bosses exclaimed â€Å" consolidation is ineluctable † . The outstanding illustrations of amalgamation and acquisition in the industry are Air France – KLM in 2003, Swiss- Lufthansa in 2005, US Airways-America West in 2005 and Delta- Northwest in 2008. The Europeans lead the manner in set uping mega-carriers. By gross Air France-KLM is the universe leader with $ 34 billion, followed by the Lufthansa Group at $ 30 billion. ( The Mating Game.Airline Business, 02687615, Jan2009, Vol. 25, Issue 1 ) . At the same clip, US Airways and America West amalgamation drained their disbursals by over $ 250 million a twelvemonth and created a company better able to endure $ 100-a-barrel oil. USAirwa ys, the state ‘s fifth-largest bearer — earned $ 427 million on gross of $ 11.7 billion. ( A Cautionary Tale for Airline Mergers, Palmeri, Christopher, Business Week ; 3/17/2008 ) Therefore it can be determined that amalgamations and acquisitions had sustained air hose industry during the economic downswing accomplishing important synergisms and economic systems of graduated table. Although the amalgamations and acquisitions prevented air lines from settlement, inauspicious impacts can besides be emphasized. Even US Airways exists bankruptcy ; the expanded company still face the internal battle of consorting two separate air hoses. The chief obstructions are employee dissatisfaction and client ailments ( A Cautionary Tale for Airline Mergers, Palmeri, Christopher, Business Week ; 3/17/2008 ) However the universe ‘s air hoses are organizing themselves into immense confederations. Does this affair? Yes: the hazard is that the air hose industry is traveling from one extreme and it ‘s clip to worry about the competition. What Has Been LearntHarmonizing to our surveies and research it can be seen the air hose industry has been hit by the economic downswing. They struggled with the cost hikes higher than their incomes. Both the air hoses have been faced by the jobs of industrialisation and globalisation, the competition of other air hoses such as low cost air hoses and inveigh services like Euro Star. Most of the air hoses restructured and merged and gave them a competition every bit good. Pension black hole is one of the chief current jobs happening in the British air passages and some of the analysts say that they need more clip to retrieve from the shortage than their estimated clip of 2016. ( in pattern ) Longer clip is required for the closing of the shortage harmonizing to some analysts. But in the state of affairss of hard currency in Rhine wine the company can see doing non-cash parts such as non-monetary inducements alternatively of hard currency. If the company utilizes its assets for pension financess it might stultify the company with the same forces cut downing its cyberspace worth. The faultless size of the shortage is non known by the BA and at the same clip they have released before denoting the recovery program the size of the shortage efficaciously. However, air hose and legal guardians are now working together to develop a recovery program to negociate with employees and trade brotherhoods. Unless and until BA manages come up with a solution to find the pension shortage the amalgamation will stay unsettled. MentionsA Cautionary Tale for Airline Mergers, Palmeri, Christopher, Business Week ; 3/17/2008, Isuue 4075, p066-066, 1p Airline Amalgamations: Ready for Takeoff? By: Bachman, Justin, BusinessWeek Online, 12/22/2006 Corporate Finance ; Principles and Practice ; 4th Edition, Denzil Watson & A ; Antony Head, Pearson Education ECONOMIST, 2009 Fiscal Management for Decision Makers,5TH Edition, Peter Atrill, Pearson Education hypertext transfer protocol: //finance.mapsofworld.com/merger-acquisition/airline.html hypertext transfer protocol: //news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8356780.stm hypertext transfer protocol: //grupo.iberia.es/portal/site/grupoiberia/menuitem.84584da99e6d0dada0d4a195d21061ca/ . hypertext transfer protocol: //readingft.blogspot.com/2009/11/ba-and-iberia-blue-sky-marriage.htmlhttp: //www.britishairways.com/travel/about-british-airways/public/en_gb hypertext transfer protocol: //www.bangkokpost.com/business/aviation/159895/british-airways-iberia-agree-to-merge hypertext transfer protocol: //www.smartmoney.com/investing/stocks/market-update-friday-nov-13-2009-20162/ MENAFN, 2009 One universe, few airlines.Economist, 00130613, 09/26/98, Vol. 349, Issue 8087 The Mating Game.Airline Business, 02687615, Jan2009, Vol. 25, Issue 1 V V

Chartered Portfolio Manager and Investment Management- Discussion post Essay

Chartered Portfolio Manager and Investment Management- Discussion post 5 - Essay Example Another important statement is the cash flow of Intel Corporation, which is $2561 in 2014, $ 5674 in 2013 and $ 8478 in 2012 all in millions, it help shows the financial capability of the corporation (Hail, 2011). Many financial activities in terms of cash flows depicts how vigorous business activities of a particular farm is. The presented cash flow of Intel Corporation is a replica of a sound business operation because its cash flow shows how easy an investor, donor or financial institution can recover its money from Intel Corporation within the shortest time possible. Intel Corporation also have a recommendable stockholders’ equity of $ 55 865 in million (Item 6). This statement is important because it shows the stock and capital in excess that belongs to the corporation but it can sell it to the stock market to increase working capital (Mentz, 2009). The stockholders’ equity, balance sheet and cash flow statements are strong communications that Intel Corporation is financially sound and stable. It is therefore, recommendable for any funding because it’s worth can justify the repayment of any form of financial support it receives. Hail, L. (2011). Discussion of Consequences and Institutional Determinants of Unregulated Corporate Financial Statements: Evidence from Embedded Value Reporting. Journal Of Accounting Research, 49(2), 573-594.

The Cuban Missile Crisis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Cuban Missile Crisis - Research Paper Example As a result of a presidential proclamation dated February 3, 1962 the following was made clear, â€Å"the United States, in accordance with its international obligations, is prepared to take all necessary actions to promote national and hemispheric security by isolating the present Government of Cuba and thereby reducing the threat posed by its alignment with the communist powers† (Kennedy). In May 1962 the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) under the premier Nikita Khrushchev decided to implement a plan to base nuclear missiles in Cuba. According to John Correll a writer with Airforce-Magazine.com, â€Å"He was reacting, superficially at least, to the Jupiter intermediate-range ballistic missiles the United States had recently installed in Turkey. More important, though, Khrushchev wanted to compensate for Russia’s strategic disadvantage in long-range missiles.† (Correll) There was also the nuclear arms race between the USSR and the United States, which was a direct result of the Cold War. The Cold War was named this because it was a period of heightened tensions between the USSR and the USA beginning after World War II however, there was not actually a full war in effect. The nuclear arms race was the result of both superpowers involved in the Cold War’s direct desires to create a better military machine. According to the Flow of History teaching website, â€Å"However, in the late 1950s the arms race combined with continuing Cold War rhetoric made the American public even more afraid of growing Soviet military power than nuclear holocaust† (FC144 the Nuclear Arms Race). This desire of military supremacy through the use of nuclear arms had obvious negative consequences. The USSR wanted to use Cuba as we had used other small nations in proximity to the USSR to stage weapons specifically designed to prevent conflict through their existence. The United States had an important self-realized role, according to author Jutt a Weldes, â€Å"The United States, with its identity as the leader of the free world, had an obligation to itself, to its allies, and to its moral convictions-to act to forestall the toppling of that domino† (Weldes 15-15). Understanding the leaders involved is important to understanding the crisis itself. In the United States the important decision makers regarding the Cuba Missile Crisis were, President John F. Kennedy, National Security Advisor McGeorge Bundy, Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and several other high ranking political leaders. On the USSR’s side the key decision makers were Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, Cuban leader Fidel Castro and their staff. In the United States President Kennedy was extremely agitated once it was found out that the Soviets were attempting to build missile launchers in Cuba. According to author Ernest r. May et.al, â€Å"For Kennedy, the presence of these missiles was intolerable. During the nex t 13 days (the Crisis lasted for 13 days) Kennedy and a circle of advisers debated how to cope with the challenge, knowing that one possible outcome was nuclear war† (May, Zelikow 11). The obvious desire of the United States government, namely the president, he was to see this stopped completely. However, more importantly the president did show organizational skills even in the face of what was at that time arguably the most important potentially life

Film The Killing a 1955-1956 film noir directed by Santley Kubrick Term Paper

Film The Killing a 1955-1956 film noir directed by Santley Kubrick - Term Paper Example The first suspense in the film occurs during Jonny Clay’s attempt to rob the money and that too amidst the crowd visiting a featured race where Johnny and his group of corrupted cops try to rob the money. The second suspense occurs when the ensuing shoot out takes place between George and his associates and Val. Till the end of this encounter, the director is able to sustain the suspense and the last scene is the most thrilling one. The chase and pursuit for escape carries the capacity to tie the audience with the film and no one can escape the enigma, magic and a pervading feeling of ‘what next’ in the film. These elements of suspense are built up with every well -edited scenes, visual and sound effects. Money and greed or pursuit for it, forms the basic ingredients of the film noir genre. Without any exception, the film ‘The Killing’ religiously bears all the traits of film noir genre. Robbery of million dollars and chase for it, consequently leads to a series of killing and presents a volley of homicides which ultimately result in killing all the characters of the film except the hero and the heroine. The corruption and the prevailing professional hitch between the cop and their respective regime are also brilliantly displayed by Kubrick and this hitch also serves as an important motif of the murders in the film. Last but not the least, the role of femme fatale in terms of agitating the whole process of murder as a catalyst is also commendable. Money plays the sole link between all the characters of the movie. It serves as a chief tempter and main motif behind all the murders taking place within the suspense filled plot of the story. Johnny robs million dollars for the pursuit of wealth. George Peaty, the corrupt cop and his associates all the characters are running in the pursuit of money. It is for money that the characters are chasing each other and it is only for the sake of money that one after other murder occurs in the

American Society and Culture in Film Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

American Society and Culture in Film - Essay Example It would not be a mistake to suggest that the course heavily relies on several concepts that are used to design a framework for a detailed analysis of the cinema. Thus, the concept of historical as well as industrial contexts is engaged in order to show the diachronic value of films. Ideology is a notion which is used to translate the messages that are being sent. A genre is an important term which defines the place of a movie in a general perspective. Cinematic codes shed light on the way actual scenes, the building units of movies, are created. Visual politics explain the content of messages that are conveyed by the movies. The first concept that will be analyzed in great detail is historical context of a movie. It is quite obvious that cinema should be regarded as one of the forms of art, in spite of the fact that it is rather young if compared to others. Nevertheless, the popularity of it is big and resulted in the fact that movies became â€Å"an alternative to such established pastimes as the music hall, vaudeville, professional sports, and the saloon† (Jarvie, 1997, 249). As one can easily see, out of the pastimes which were named in the quote above, only professional sports survived. This means that movies should not be regarded as some kind of senseless entertainment, but rather an important act of aesthetic interaction between various parts of society – the function which the above-mentioned pastimes used to fulfill. One would make no mistake suggesting that watching a movie may be regarded as a modern equivalent of listening to folklore stories since both engage a person in an aes thetic dialogue and teach a certain lesion. The only difference is the extent to which image is used. In addition to that, movies often were used as a means to convey important messages, for example, in the movie The Great Dictator the directors designed aesthetics in a way to reflect the contemporary situation in Nazi Germany. What is more important is that at the present moment there is a clear distinction between watching a movie and going to a cinema.

An Examination of Pablo Neruda as a Character in Il Postino Essay

An Examination of Pablo Neruda as a Character in Il Postino - Essay Example This essay declares that the film presents the creation and growth of a relationship between the poet in exile and a temporary mail carrier who is an indigenous resident on the island. The link between the poet and the mail carrier present a story about a person who discovers oneself through poetry. The poetic perspective was previously alien, and the personal discovery was an induction of the poet. The mail carrier, Mario, becomes the hero of the film as a result of the teaching and resemblance of Pablo Neruda. The release of the movie was in 1994 whereby the movie had an international success in the art film industry recognition. One of the successes was the winning of various global awards. Some of the awards include two BAFTAS that include the awards for the best director award and best alien language flick.This research stresses that  Pablo’s character represents the rich in the social hierarchy but a character that has a longing for a general outlook. The ideology of t he character is that the resources should be under the ownership of the community and not the few who have the power and are in control. The nature of being audible about communist ideology and the sending of the exile of Neruda to Italy is only possible to a person who has a wide reputation. The Italian government even lets Neruda confide in the country by turning down the request by Chile to extradite Neruda for constitutional claims.

The financial impact upon Menzies Hotel Dissertation

The financial impact upon Menzies Hotel - Dissertation Example Financial Ratios 36 Financial Impact of the Takeover 38 Chapter 6: Conclusions and recommendations 42 Bibliography 45 Appendices 51 Appendix A. Ten people crimes and Organisational result 52 Appendix B. Key Issues to Address in Post-Merger Integration 53 Appendix C. Trompenaars' Theories on culture 54 Appendix D. Survey Questionnaire 55 Tables 57 Table 1.1. Financial Ratios of Menzies Hotels PLC as of January 2005 58 Table 1.2. Financial Highlights Queens Moat Hotels Ltd. as of December 2004 59 Table 2. Criteria on Interviewee Selection 60 Table 3. Summary of responses to Interviews 61 Table 4. Summary of Secondary Data on Relevant Theories 63 List of terms Acquisition: When one business takes control of another, this is known as an acquisition. Investment banks and other financial institutions often have mergers and acquisitions (M & A) departments, to provide financial and other forms of support for these activities. Some acquisitions, like Daimler Benz's of Chrysler in 1998, are disguised as a merger for political reasons. Due Diligence: An internal analysis by a lender, such as a bank, of existing debts owed by a borrower in order to identify or re-evaluate the risk; an independent analysis of the current financial state and future prospects of a company in anticipation of a major investment of venture capital or a stock-exchange flotation; a Venture Capitalist firm's examination by its lawyers and auditors of the records, accounts and any legal documents of an existing business. Four-Star hotel: Stars are used to give the traveller an indication of the very least they can expect from the hotel. A four-star hotel is fully en-suite, with a Restaurant for cooked breakfast and dinner, often smallish with 50-80 bedrooms and friendlier places to... This discussion talks that people-related risks and liabilities have a substantial effect on the acquisition value - and the price. These need to be discovered with due diligence before the deal is closed. Suggests using a 360-degree due diligence to give the buyer a complete look at value and risk.Examined benefits accruing to target shareholders in the five-year period after the combination and recommend getting paid in cash, favor investing in acquirers that use tender offers, and that stock payments be used if overpriced. Target shareholders who receive cash must buy acquirer stock. Shows three ways to determine the value of something through financial valuation: an income approach, a cost approach, or a market approach. Companies that pay attention to revenues and delivering on total return to shareholders instead of focusing exclusively on cost cutting are more successful at acquisitions. Problems with receivables can eat into the cash flow - and future revenues - of a newly fo rmed company. Buyer must ensure all supporting documentation on receivables sent as fast as possible to the new company's consolidated credit group. Should pooling of interests accounting be allowed In essence, when two firms combine, there are two methods that can be used to account for the combined value of the firm? They are the purchase method and the pooling of interests method. In most cases, they yield radically different outcomes - with pooling resulting in a much better-looking income statement for years to come.

Quality management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Quality management - Essay Example There existed a number of Gurus who implemented different strategies, which improved performance (Kemp, 2006, 34). Edward Deming is not a new name in quality management. He came up with smart strategy, which he has, used to achieve continuous organization success. Deming came up with fourteen philosophical strategies (Kemp, 2006, 34). Deming believed that by having appropriate principles, anyone could improve quality and at the same time reduce costs of operation. He started by defining an objective purpose of what he wanted to achieve. This entails organizations setting aside resources for a long time planning and research. He then developed a new philosophy that reflected on his objectives (Hoyle, 2006, 67). For firms to excel they must ensure any obstacles and issues contradicting their mission are done away with (Kemp, 2006, 34). Deming further emphasized that transformation in policies was necessary to ease dependence on mass inspection (Deming, 2000, 254). Long-term supply chain and healthy relationships with supplier are encouraged. This is necessary to ensure the production process is co ntinuous (Kemp, 2006, 34). Employees ought to be made part of the research and development process. They are required to thoroughly search for the best ways to improve the quality. Deming also dictated for institute training at all levels in an organization. Managers ought to play their roles well and supervise not lead (Kemp, 2006, 34). Employees are more productive when they feel respected. In addition, elements of fear and barriers in communications must be eliminated. Numerical quotas are a major hindrance to good performance (Hoyle, 2006, 67). This is because, with the quota systems, people may even produce defective goods for the purpose of meeting the set limits (Kemp, 2006, 34). Individual reviews and evaluations are to be done way with as they discourage the pride of achievement (Deming, 2000, 254). Deming

Intergrated Project Deliver at Autodesk, Inc. Essay Example for Free

Intergrated Project Deliver at Autodesk, Inc. Essay When working at any company or organization, communication is the key issue in starting up a project. Whenever you being a project, the first step would how to communicate with the team member you will be working with. Bernstein and his team have completed an important project within the budget, timeline, and scope. In this paper, I will discuss the vision statement, and briefly discuss the following: * Generated for the project scope. * Examine how Phil Bernstein foster high levels of performance for the project * Illustrates the unsuccessful tactics to inspire the team to greater heights * Create my own approach to managing this project. Phil Bernstein is the project leader for IPD, and the construction project at AEC headquarters. Bernstein and his team shall develop, and implementing a shared vision that will help motivate, and inspire the team to work hard to make the project a success. The vision needs to include AEC’s communication for the workplace to demonstrating the importance of creativity and innovation. When starting the vision statement it should be simple, and expresses the aspirations and goals of a company or organization. When developing a vision statement this gives the members of the organization or project team the chance to come together to look at areas of expertise, and decide on the future of the project. The project is to use the Autodesk Inc. that produces software for architecture, engineering, and construction, to create a non-traditional office building using 3D technology. The project is to use the conduction of the new headquarters as an opportunity for its Solutions Division to combine the latest software capabilities into building information modeling with an emerging paradigm called integrated project delivery (Edmondson Rashid, 2009). The project will use the  IPD method to foster communication among all stakeholders during the early stages of the project. To foster higher levels of performance, Bernstein will ensure the project design qualities stayed supported with the project goals and budget constraints. This particular project is critical that no team member lag behind in providing the desired output. In the case study, it was demonstrated when the project management team has to make the choice to terminate a vendor who was working on the Customer Briefing Center ceiling. The vendor was initially hired because of the building information model capabilities and experience working on the bench mark projects. The team later learned that the vendor would not be able to build nor install the ceiling within the budget that was given for that portion of the project. The team came together and decided the issue and came to a conclusion to relieve the vendor of his duties. The team decided to hire another vendor to perform the duties. The vendor that the team hired lacked the technical skills that the previous one attained, but the new vendor would be able to deliver the project on time and within the budget. Being able to deliver on time and within budget is the ideal for majority of project done. Another example of fostering higher level performance is when the team members are able to communicate and set goals to meet the objectives of integrated project delivery. The managers should empower other team members with decision making responsibilities. It is not noted throughout the case that there are critical decision that must be made. The executives should feel confident that they hired the right people to make decisions and not be afraid to take the necessary risk to ensure the project stays on track. To ensure that integrated project delivery works effectively the project implementation team must have the right mind set. Illustrate his unsuccessful tactics to inspire the team to greater heights Bernstein illustrated unsuccessful tactics when there appeared to be trouble with the contingency. Bernstein decided that for all future projects he will not include any savings from the contingency as part of the compensation structure. According to the case study, it appeared that contingency was a bad idea, because it is not in sync with the integrated project delivery (Harvard Business School, p.70). Integrated project delivery is emerging as the way to organize project teams to achieve a lean construction at a time when the industry is searching for ways to eliminate  waste, cut costs, improve productivity, and create positive outcomes (Carbasho, 2008). The reason Bernstein wants to use this practice, because it generally fosters collaboration amongst the team by integrating all the stakeholders regardless of the levels. Bernstein understands that developing rapport early in the project will enhance the outcome. Bernstein also recognized that there was a problem with the contingency idea because the team wanted to ensure that if the project saved money they wanted to include it in the contingency compensation. The team wanted to include the money in the compensation package because at the end of the project the money can potentially be used as incentives, and could be divided among the team player. Bernstein decided that maintaining contingency within the compensation package was not worth the trouble, some members agreed with Bernstein while other believed if the scope of the contract was defined more accurately the contingency issue may not be problematic. Bernstein decision to keep the two funds separate created some conflict among the team. This type of decision and tension of maintaining a separate contingency was not favorable with the integrated project delivery approach to foster, nor promote open sharing of information. One member believed that having the members of the team mutually accountable is worth a whole lot more than the cost of sharing a few dollars (Edmondson Rashid, 2009). The approach that would be used to manage this project would be similar to the current approach. The integrated project delivery method would appear to be the most logical and cost effective. The idea of integrating all stakeholders at one time does not appear to be anything new that project managers have not used previously. Although there were barriers along the way, this approach seemed to work. The project finished on time and was recognized for its efforts by the American Institute of Architects (Edmondson Rashid, 2009). As a project manager the first collaboration and task amongst the team members would be to establish a vision statement, which involves creating a view of the desired results of your projects, which is normally shared by all stakeholders. Without a vision it would be difficult to continue on with the project of this size. The integrated approach focuses on what is commonly known as the core group of the project such as: the owner, contractor and architect/designer this type of approach can be applied well beyond three main stakeholders aforementioned. The use of the  major stakeholders is a reasonable approach however this approach will also include other important team members who will be as important to ensure the project’s success. By continuing to use the IPD approach shall allow the owners to openly share the project information. It will also streamline the project communication which allows them to effectively balance the project options to meet their business enterprise goals. By using the integrated delivery approach it will strengthen the project teams, and understanding the owner’s desired outcome. The IPD approach will include the contractors, one of the core members that will allow them to contribute their expertise in construction techniques early in the design process resulting in improving project quality and financial performance during the construction phrase. By using the contractors during the designing phase will help with pre-construction planning and understanding the design. As a project manager, one would realize that understanding the design is crucial for this project, because if something goes wrong it could be very costly. Using the architectures or designers as part of the process is another one of those early benefits such as accurate budget estimates to make informed design decision and the pre-construction resolution of design related issues resulting in improved quality and financial performance. They usually bring some of the same qualities as the contractor but from a different perspective. The IPD approach is the desired method that should be used because it’s known to be built on trust and early involvement by more parties. As we all have learned throughout this course, developing trust among the team members encourage people to focus on project outcomes versus individual goals. The project lifecycle will be included with the IPD approach as part of the standard procedures. Reference Carbasho, T. (2008). Integrated Project Delivery Improves Efficiency streamlines construction. Retrieved from htt://www.tradelineinc.com/reports/0A03D1C0-2B3B-B5252-85702EDF900F61 Edmondson, A.C. Rashid, F.(2009) Integrated Project Delivery at Autodesk, Inc. Boston: Boston, MA: Harvard Business Publishing. Lewis, J. (2003). Project leadership: Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill

Recurrent Airway Obstruction in Horse: Case Study Report

Recurrent Airway Obstruction in Horse: Case Study Report A 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was examined for a cough whilst being stabled over the winter. There was limited available turnout so the horse remained stabled on shavings in a stable barn. The horse was fed dry hay. There was no previous history of coughing. The clinical examination was unremarkable. The owner described an intermittent dry cough occurring at rest and exercise. At this time the owner was advised to introduce environmental changes to reduce dust exposure. The horse was moved to a stable away from the hay store and started on soaked hay. An inflammatory blood profile was taken which revealed no abnormalities. Despite implementation of environmental changes the cough persisted. The horse was re-examined two months later at the clinic. On this occasion the horse presented with a bilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge and persistent cough. The horse was tachypneic (25 breaths per minute) with increased abdominal effort; the remainder of the clinical examination was unremarkable. A re-breathing examination was performed to aid auscultation of abnormal lung sounds; there were no adventitious sounds and the trachea was normal on auscultation. Problem list Intermittent cough at exercise and at rest Mucopurulent nasal discharge Recurrent episodes Tachypneic Differential Diagnosis List Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) Inflammatory airway disease Viral infection Bronchopneumonia Pulmonary neoplasia Lungworm The signalment and history alongside the clinical signs of coughing, nasal discharge, laboured respiratory effort and exercise intolerance in the absence of pyrexia, suggested RAO. An endoscopic examination of the upper and lower airways to assess tracheal secretions and to obtain a fluid sample for a tracheal wash was performed. Endoscopy revealed inflammation of the pharyngeal recess, mild lymphoid hyperplasia, erythema of the trachea and a thickened carina. The tracheal wash (TW) sample was mucoid. The cytology report from the TW indicated chronic irritation and inflammation however the cell populations were unable to indicate a specific underlying aetiology. Neutrophillic inflammation was not a strong feature; however low-moderate levels of macrophages and Curschman spirals were present, both of which can be associated with RAO. Bacterial culture yielded a scant growth of Enterobacter spp and Pasteurella spp sensitive to trimethoprim sulphonamides; treatment for a possible bacterial tracheitis was initiated alongside a mucolytic for the mucus present in the airway. Dembrexine hydrochloride (Sputolosin, Boerhinger Ingleheim) (0.3mg/kg q12h PO) and trimethoprim sulfadiazine (Trimediazine Plain, Vetquinol) (30mg/kg q12h PO) were administered for 10days followed by re-examination. A Broncho alveolar lavage (BAL) was advised in order to determine the presence of lower airway inflammation specifically; however the horse was improving and the client declined at this time. Improvement was seen initially however after 5months following initial presentation the cough and nasal discharge resumed. The clinical examination was again unremarkable. A thick muco-purulent TW sample was obtained which revealed marked neutrophilic inflammation >95% of the nucleated cells and a negative bacterial culture. These results were consistent with RAO and as a result treatment for RAO was initiated. Inhaled salbutamol (400ug q12h) followed 5minutes later by beclomethasone (3000ug q12h) for 6weeks. This was administered using a MDI and an AeroHippus, Equine Aerosol Chamber (Trundell Medical). A decision was made to perform a BAL 6weeks later to assess response to treatment. On re-examination the nasal discharge had ceased with a residual cough only at exercise. The BAL sample at this time revealed A residual cough persisted despite being on continuous treatment. As a result a Flexineb nebuliser was trialled. Dexamethasone was used as the inhaled agent; 0.5ml sterile water with 0.5ml dexamethasone (Dexadresson, Intervet) once daily for two weeks and then every other day for two weeks. Discussion RAO is a common disease of older usually stabled horses. Hotchkiss et al, 2007 reported an estimated disease prevalence of 14% in the UK (Hotchkiss et al, 2007). The history, signalment and clinical signs presented in this case supported a diagnosis of RAO (Leclere et al, 2011). The clinical signs most likely represent hypersensitivity/exaggerated response to inhaled pro-inflammatory agents such as hay dust, moulds, spores, forage mites, endotoxins and inorganic components which cause significant distal airway inflammation in susceptible horses (Robinson and Chairperson, 2001). The relative importance of these allergens in the aetiopathogenesis of RAO is difficult to determine; it’s likely all contribute through an additive and/or synergistic mechanism (Pirie et al, 2003). Endoscopic examination revealed excess mucus as a result of neutrophilic inflammation and a blunted carina due to oedema and remodelling (Koblinger et al, 2011). Changes within the airway result from mucus metaplasia, smooth muscle hypertrophy and fibrosis. Bronchospasm of the airway alongside mucus and neutrophil accumulation leads to obstruction (Robinson et al, 2000). The initial treatment with a mucolytic, dembrexine hydrochloride (Sputolosin, Boerhinger Ingleheim) initially provided improvement in clinical signs by fragmenting the sputum fibre network so reducing mucus viscoelasticity (Matthews, Hackett and Lawton, 1988). The owner was reluctant to perform a BAL initially due to the increased stress to the horse. The initial TW cytology couldn’t confirm a diagnosis despite the presence of Curschmann’s spirals which can indicate RAO (Reed and Bayly, 1998). Although it’s important to interpret culture results in light of cytology and clinical signs, paying less attention to scanty mixed growths of bacteria, the culture results were used to direct initial treatment for a possible bacterial tracheitis (McGorum, 2007). In this case where the clinical signs and signalment supported RAO a BAL alongside the TW would have provided a more reliable diagnosis. A BAL is more representative of the lower airways as it allows elucidation of the cellular response to lung injury (Derksen et al, 1989). Macrophages and lymphocytes are the predominant cell populations in BAL in normal horses whereas RAO is characterised by a non-septic inflammatory reaction, >25% neutrophils of the total nucleated cel l count (Robinson, 2001). Management of this disease involves three principles; environmental control to reduce allergens, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and bronchodilators to relieve respiratory distress (Durham, 2001). It can be difficult to persuade owners that environmental changes are as important as medical treatment. In many cases clinical remission can be achieved by moving horses to either pasture or an indoor low-airborne dust environment (Vandenput et al, 1998). Green pasture is the best option to reduce clinical signs and horses should remain outdoors at all times with a supplementary pelleted diet; this was not practicable in this case (Jackson et al, 2000). The limited available turnout during winter made management problematic. Bedding on rubber matting in conjunction with cardboard and shredded paper provides the lowest dust levels for a stabled horse (Tanner et al, 1998). In most horses with RAO the main source of dust is from hay and bedding; in this case the horse had originally be en stabled adjacent to the hay barn. Soaking hay reduces the dust challenge however not sufficiently to resolve symptoms of RAO (Clements and Pirie, 2007). Treatment is based around a combination of bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Bronchodilators aim to alleviate respiratory distress associated with bronchospasm. Clenbuterol a B2 adrenergic agonist is most commonly administered orally to effect (Erichsen et al, 1994). In addition to its bronchodilator effect, clenbuterol has also been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect (Lann et al, 2006). The efficacy of inhaled B2 adrenergic agonists has also been recognised, inducing a rapid, significant bronchodilation in horses demonstrating RAO (Bertin et al, 2011). Due to the effectiveness found with inhaled agents in human patients, this route was investigated in horses. By using bronchodilators prior to administration of corticosteroids a deeper penetration of inhaled drug can be achieved (Rush et al, 1998). The horse’s demeanour in this case made him suitable for inhaled medications and he tolerated treatment well. The advantage of inhaled corticosteroids is that a higher concentration of drug can be administered locally to the airways leading to a rapid onset of action, reducing the dose required and the subsequent side effects associated with corticosteroids (Duvvier et al, 1997). In severe cases systemic steroids are used initially to improve lung function as inhaled steroids require good pulmonary distribution to be effective (Ammann et al, 2008). MDI are not licensed for horses and therefore they were used with due consideration of the cascade and the owners informed consent for the use of off-label medications according to Section 4.17 of the Supporting Guidance to the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct (RCVS, 2014). They are most efficient and effective when used with a ‘spacer’ which directs flow of the drug through a one way valve which opens on inspiration. The AeroHippus EAC, (Trundell Medical) is designed to be used with a MDI. The presence of the Flow-Vu ® indicator enables owners to count the number of breaths the horse has taken through the chamber and ensures a satisfactory seal, both of which aid the correct and optimal delivery of the drug to the lungs (Trundell Medical International, 2015). Nebulisers can also be used to distribute aerosol medication. Nebulisation has been shown to improve drug concentration in the lungs while minimising systemic concentrations and potential toxicity (Sustronck et al, 1995). Fultz et al (2014) demonstrated that delivery via nebulization can increase the concentration of a drug in the pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (PELF) (Fultz et al, 2014). A Flexineb nebuliser was tried with this case due to its chronic nature and the clinical signs subsequently resolved. Although the mainstay of treatment is corticosteroids, recurrence of clinical signs will recur within 3days of treatment cessation if environment improvements are not made (Jackson et al, 2000). There is evidence of persistent chronic peripheral airway obstruction, in the absence of neutrophilic airway inflammation, even when RAO cases are maintained in a low dust environment. This supports the evidence for development of irreversible ultrastructural changes in the lung induced by prolonged repeated exacerbation, but also low grade airway inflammation (Miskovic et al, 2007). In these cases thoracic radiographs should be used to rule out irreversible lung pathology (Lavoie et al, 2004). Bibliography Ammann, V., Vrins, A. and Lavoie, J. (1998). Effects of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate on respiratory function in horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Equine Veterinary Journal, 30(2), pp.152-157. Bertin, F., Ivester, K. And Couà «til, L. (2011). Comparative efficacy of inhaled albuterol between two hand-held delivery devices in horses with recurrent airway obstruction. Equine Veterinary Journal, 43(4), pp.393-398. Clements, J. and Pirie, R. (2007). Respirable dust concentrations in equine stables. Part 2: The benefits of soaking hay and optimising the environment in a neighbouring stable. Research in Veterinary Science, 83(2), pp.263-268. Derksen, F., Brown, C., Sonea, I., Darien, B. and Robinson, N. (1989). Comparison of transtracheal aspirate and bronchoalveolar lavage cytology in 50 horses with chronic lung disease. Equine Veterinary Journal, 21(1), pp.23-26. Durham, A. (2001). Update on therapeutics for obstructive pulmonary diseases in horses. In Practice, 23(8), pp.474-481. Duvivier, D., Votion, D., Vandenput, S. and Lekeux, P. (1997). Aerosol therapy in the equine species. The Veterinary Journal, 154(3), pp.189-202. Fairbairn, S., Lees, P., Page, C. and Cunningham, F. (1993). Duration of antigen-induced hyperresponsiveness in horses with allergic respiratory disease and possible links with early airway obstruction. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 16(4), pp.469-476. Fultz, L., Giguà ¨re, S., Berghaus, L., Grover, G. and Merritt, D. (2014). Pulmonary pharmacokinetics of desfuroylceftiofur acetamide after nebulisation or intramuscular administration of ceftiofur sodium to weanling foals. Equine Vet Journal, [article first published online 5 September 2014] Hotchkiss, J., Reid, S. and Christey, R. (2007). A survey of horse owners in Great Britain regarding horses in their care. Part 1: Horse demographic characteristics and management. Equine Veterinary Journal, 39(4), pp.294-300. Hoffman, A. (2008). Bronchoalveolar Lavage: Sampling Technique and Guidelines for Cytologic Preparation and Interpretation. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, 24(2), pp.423-435. Gerber, V., King, M., Schneider, D. and Robinson, N. (2000). Tracheobronchial mucus viscoelasticity during environmental challenge in horses with recurrent airway obstruction. Equine Veterinary Journal, 32(5), pp.411-417. Jackson, C.A., Berney, C., Jefcoat, A.M. and Robinson, N.E. (2000). Environment and prednisone interactions in the treatment of recurrent airway obstruction (heaves). Equine Veterinary Journal. 32, pp432-438. Koblinger, K., Nicol, J., McDonald, K., Wasko, A., Logie, N., Weiss, M. and Là ©guillette, R. (2011). Endoscopic Assessment of Airway Inflammation in Horses. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 25(5), pp.1118-1126. Laan, T., Bull, S., Pirie, R. and Fink-Gremmels, J. (2006). The anti-inflammatory effects of IV administered clenbuterol in horses with recurrent airway obstruction. The Veterinary Journal, 171(3), pp.429-437. Lavoie, J., Dalle, S., Breton, L. and Hà ©lie, P. (2004). Bronchiectasis in Three Adult Horses with Heaves. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 18(5), pp.757-760. Leclere, M., Lavoie-Lamoureux, A. and Lavoie, J. (2011). Heaves, an asthma-like disease of horses. Respirology, 16(7), pp.1027-1046. Matthews, A., Hackett, I. and Lawton, W. (1988). The mucolytic effect of Sputolosin in horses with respiratory disease. Veterinary Record, 122(5), pp.106-108. McGorum, B. (2007). Equine respiratory medicine and surgery. Saunders Elsevier. (5) pp565-590 Miskovic, M., Couà «til, L. and Thompson, C. (2007). Lung Function and Airway Cytologic Profiles in Horses with Recurrent Airway Obstruction Maintained in Low-Dust Environments. Journal Veterinary Internal Medicine, 21(5), p.1060. Pirie, R., Collie, D., Dixon, P. and McGorum, B. (2003). Inhaled endotoxin and organic dust particulates have synergistic proinflammatory effects in equine heaves (organic dust-induced asthma). Clinical Experimental Allergy, 33(5), pp.676-683 Rcvs.org.uk, (2014). 4. Veterinary medicines RCVS. [online] Available at: http://www.rcvs.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/code-of-professional-conduct-for-veterinary-surgeons/supporting-guidance/veterinary-medicines/ [Accessed 18 Feb. 2015]. Reed, S. and Bayly, W. (1998). Equine internal medicine. Philadelphia: Saunders. Chapter 9, pp341 Robinson, N.E., Olszewski, M.A., Boehler, D., Berney, C., Hakala, J., Matson, C. and Derksen, F.J. (2000). Relationship between clinical signs and lung function in horses with recurrent airway obstruction (heaves) during a bronchodilator trial. Equine Veterinary Journal. 32, pp393-400. Robinson, N. and Chairperson, W. (2001). International Workshop on Equine Chronic Airway Disease Michigan State University 16-18 June 2000. Equine Veterinary Journal, 33(1), pp.5-19. Rush, B., Raub, E., Rhodes, W. S., et al. (1998). Pulmonary function in horses with recurrent airway obstruction after aerosol and parenteral administration of beclomethasone dipropionate and dexamethasone, respectively. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 59, pp1039-1043 Sustronck, B., Deprez, P., Muylle, E., Vermeersch, H., Vandenbossche, G. and Remon, J. (1995). Evaluation of the nebulisation of sodium ceftiofur in the treatment of experimental Pasteurella haemolytica bronchopneumonia in calves. Research in Veterinary Science, 59(3), pp.267-271. Tanner, M., Swinker, A., Traub-Dargatz, J., Stiffler, L., McCue, P., Vanderwall, D., Johnson, D. and Vap, L. (1998). Respiratory and environmental effects of recycled phone book paper versus sawdust as bedding for horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 18(7), pp.468-476. Trundell Medical International (2015) AeroHippus. http://www.trundellmed.com/animal-health/aerohippus [4 February 2015] Vandenput, S., Duvivier, D., Votion, D., Art, T. and Lekeux, P. (1998). Environmental control to maintain stabled COPD horses in clinical remission: effects on pulmonary function. Equine Veterinary Journal, 30(2), pp.93-96.

U.S. Criminal Justice System Essay -- legal reform, social issues, cir

Before proposing a reform to the American criminal justice system, we must first examine the problems that plague the process of justice on all levels. American society plays an important role in shaping the criminal justice system. Their beliefs and values determine the type of deviants and the consequences of the crimes. Often their beliefs contradict each other. Americans believe that the more serious a crime is, the longer a person should spend in a prison. In reality it means that a law at discretion can sometimes just set a number of years that a person should spend in the jail, regardless of the situation. The time in the prison is often very long (Randall, Brown, Miller& Fritzler, p.216) because some states have definite sentence or mandatory sentences which leave little room for the judge to decide on the merits of the person. For example, California favors â€Å"Three Strikes and You’re Out†(Randall & et al., p.216) stance on the laws which means after third felony crime, a person must spend 25-year-to-life sentence in the prison. They believe that the deprivations of basic needs, isolation from the society, and in extreme cases, death are consequences of committing a crime. The process of the court in America values efficiency and tough punishments. Since there are a lot of arrests, the court is overburdened and pressed for time. The prisoners are processed through like animals for the slaughter, quickly and with no mercy. The inequality in the terms of power and money influences the court. People with deep pockets are able to bail out or negotiate for a lesser term than a person assigned to a free lawyer by the state. Those consequences Americans believe will serve as deterrence or warning to people to obey the law... ...not the answer to all of the problems that America is experiencing in the criminal justice system, but however it may take the pressure off the state to provide the help to people. The reduction and the reform in the prisons are strongly recommended before using this new model. Works Cited Shelden, R.G., Brown, W.B., Miller, K.S., & Fritzler, R.B. (2008). Crime and criminal justice in american society. Long Grove, Illinosis: Waveland Press, INC. Bohet, A.K. & Wadhwa, T. Beyond the prison walls: reforming through silence. Indian Psychology Institute. http://ipi.org.in/texts/nsip/nsip-full/toolika-tihar.html Doleschal, E. (1977). Rate and length of imprisonment: how does the united states compare with the netherlands, denmark , and sweden?. Crime & Delinquency, 23(1), p. 51 -56 http://cad.sagepub.com/content/23/1/51 doi: 10.117/001112877702300105

Red Convertible Essay -- essays research papers

Perceptions & Deceptions: Life before and after Vietnam for Henry   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Have you ever wanted to take the summer off from work and escape from reality in order to travel around the world without having any worries? Well this is what Henry and Lyman in the â€Å"Red Convertible† by Louise Erdrich decided to do one summer. Henry and Lyman are two brothers who grew up on the Indian reservation. They perceive life on the reservation as an ongoing circle with a harmonious atmosphere. During their trip to Montana and Alaska Henry and Lyman’s idea of a carefree life is only reinforced, but when Henry is sent to Vietnam this perception is surpassed by a new reality and changes Henry’s reactions to the surrounding circumstances.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Henry and Lyman grew up on the reservation where life was peaceful and harmonious. The two brothers had a very close relationship growing up together and were able to expand their adolescence and simplicity with the purchase of the red convertible. A red convertible was not the typical car you would expect to see on the reservation but Henry and Lyman saw the car and bought it on a whim. They traveled to many different places with the car. The red convertible only let the two brothers enjoy their summer by taking them to many comfortable and peaceful places other than the reservation. One of the places they traveled to was filled with willows. â€Å"I remember I laid under those trees and it was comfortable. ...

Atticus As A Model Parent :: essays research papers

In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee suggests that Atticus is a model parent. Atticus gives guidance to Jem and Scout, and he treats them with fairness and honesty. He tries to bring them up as best he can as a single parent. Atticus is always guiding Jem and Scout with advice so that they will become more compassionate people. Atticus sets a good example for the children when Mr Ewell confronts him. Even though he is provoked and insulted, Atticus simply has a â€Å"peaceful reaction†. This shows the children never to get into fights with people when they are upset about something. Atticus shows children about courage and all the forms it appears in. When Jem is told to read for Ms Dubose and she dies, Atticus explains to Jem about her morphine addiction, and how she died â€Å"free†. This shows Jem that courage isn’t always where you expect to find it, and that if you have some compassion, you see people for who they really are. The most important piece of advice he gives his children is that â€Å"you never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view†¦ until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.† This is important for the childre n to know, because it helps them to be more caring people, and they use this advice throughout the novel. Atticus treats everyone with fairness. He always hears both sides of the story. He does this after Scout has gotten into a fight with Francis Hancock. After a time Atticus hears Scout’s side of the story and realises that it wasn’t totally Scout’s fault. Scout also tells Uncle Jack that when she and Jem get into fights Atticus stops to hear both sides of the argument before placing the blame, if any. When he is confronted by awkward issues Atticus never tries to hide or cover up the truth. He tells Uncle Jack at Finches landing that when a child asks you something, â€Å"answer him, for goodness sake.† After Atticus is confronted by the mob outside the county jail, he doesn’t try to pretend that they weren’t there to hurt him. He admits that Mr Cunningham might have â€Å"hurt me a little.† When Scout asks Atticus if they are poor, the usual response would be to say no, so as not to scare Scout.

Gambling research essay Essay

Gambling refers to the play of any game where there is money, or something of value at stake. There are many different forms of gambling including horse races, lotteries, casinos, scratch cards, stock market betting, and even more recently internet gambling. Although these games are meant for recreational use, the thrill of gambling causes some people to become so involved in it that they become dependent on gambling. The effects of gambling can cause damage psychologically, be very harmful to one’s social life and can also cause many physical damages. Gambling addiction and pathological gambling is not always seen as dangerous as other addictions like substance abuse but it can in fact be a very damaging addiction to many aspects of life and should be considered a major health problem. Not everyone who gambles has a gambling addiction or even has the capability of being addicted to gambling. The majority of people who gamble do not have an addiction and simply do it for recreational purposes. But there is a small percentage of people who gamble who are considered problem gamblers or pathological gamblers. Pathological gamblers is described as, â€Å"Pathological gambling is characterized by chronic and irresistible impulses to gamble, with consequent gambling compromises and disruptions to family, personal and vocational pursuits. † (Coman, Burrows & Evans, 1997) This addiction causes the gambler to gamble very frequently, often times they will begin to make bigger and bigger bets and receiving feelings of anxiety or depression when they are not gambling. Pathological gambling can also include gambling to recover losses from previous gambling episodes, lying to family members to try and hide their habits, committing criminal acts to obtain money for gambling and relying on others to provide money to relieve them from their financial situation. This is a very serious addiction and should be considered a major health problem because it can negatively affect many serious aspects of an individual’s life. There are many different influences and gateways that can lead to gambling and even a gambling addiction. Although things like scratch cards may not seem like much of a threat to becoming an addiction, they can intrigue the thought of winning money purely by chance which is a dangerous mindset to have. Another factor that can lead to a gambling addiction is the link between the proximity from the casino and gambling participation. Living close to a casino causes much more accessibility and can add to the possibility of gaining an addiction, â€Å"additional gambling opportunities due to the presence of a casino increase the prevalence of gambling-related problems for people who live close to a casino, as compared with people who live far from one. †(Sevigny, Ladouceur, Jacques & Cantinotti, 2008)People who live closer to the casino are much more likely to just â€Å"drop by† and play a few hands rather than people who live farther and have to make an evening of it. Accessibility can have a large impact on gaining an addiction to gambling. Also, the recent popularity of poker has a huge impact on the view of gambling for younger people. Poker has become very popular in our society today and is televised quite frequently showing these players not only making a living from this game of chance, but becoming millionaires. Some of these players are seen as celebrities who can cause some younger audiences to look up to them and strive to be like them. These aspects do not directly lead to a gambling problem but they can definitely help lead to one. Technology has become a large contributory factor to problem gambling. As stated earlier, accessibility can have a large impact on gaining an addiction to gambling and the technology of internet has brought accessibility of gambling to a whole new level. Gambling over the internet should be a major concern because the increase in gambling opportunities gives the potential for an increase in problem gamblers. Research evidence in other countries has clearly shown that: â€Å"where accessibility of gambling is increased there is an increase not only in the number of regular gamblers but also an increase in the number of problem gamblers. † (Griffiths, 1999) Internet gambling websites has dramatically increased this accessibility which will in turn increase the number of people gambling. Not everyone is susceptible to becoming a problem gambler, but the more people gambling, the more people who have the chance of becoming addicted. The popularity of internet gambling is on the rise with its easy accessibility and quickness. This popularity itself cannot lead to a gambling addiction but a number of the more popular poker players on television often promote different gambling websites where anyone of any age can play poker online. The websites allow someone to play in tournaments, play with friends and play with fake money or even real money. They are very appealing to people of all ages and easily accessible all the time which makes them a threat to contributing to problem gamblers and youth gambling. When someone suffers from problem gambling, it is not only that individual that is affected but their family, friends and community as well. There can be some positive aspects of gambling in terms of the social effects of gambling. Gambling can be seen as a recreation, a break from their problems of everyday life and a nice night out. Yet these positive effects only exist if gambling is done in moderation. Once gambling becomes a habit and a necessity is where the negative impacts arrive. Often, it’s those close to the pathological gambler that suffer the most. Constant gambling takes time away from family, friends and other activities. If gambling becomes a problem, it can cause loss of trust between individuals and family members which can lead to family related problems and even divorce. Generally, the social problems begin with borrowing of money to support their addiction. At this point, many friends and family may lose touch with the gambler. Being distanced from those who are closest can cause desperation which may lead to criminal activity. Pathological gambling can become so severe that they can resort to criminal activity in a last effort to support their financial needs. People are more likely to commit crime without thinking of the consequences when they are in a desperation mindset which is what can happen after a big loss due to gambling. Supporters for the spread of legalized gambling make claims about economic growth and more jobs but opponents have a strong case saying, â€Å"†¦ various forms of street crimes, such as robberies and automobile thefts, come with gambling, as well as problems with connections to organized crime†¦ The majority of Wisconsin problem gamblers in treatment that were interviewed in Thompson et al. (1999) admitted to crimes as a result of their gambling activity, primarily property crimes. † (Gazel, Rickman & Thompson, 2001) Pathological gamblers reach a point where there are no options left so they have to resort to illegal means to support themselves displaying the severity and control that a gambling addiction can have. Having a gambling addiction does not just affect someone economically or socially but it can deeply affect them psychologically. Once a pathological gambler is down money, they will make bets to try and regain that money that they have lost. Instead of cutting their losses, they get deeper into debt, preoccupying themselves with gambling, determined to win big to repay their loans and solve all their problems (Griffiths, 2001). A very dangerous way of thinking is the â€Å"what if I win† mentality. This way of thinking is especially dangerous because then they are more prone to make bigger bets with money they may not have to lose so they can receive bigger rewards. A large factor for whether someone develops this addiction has a lot to do with their personality. The type of personality someone has can have on whether or not someone develops a gambling addiction or not. Gambling is characterized by an â€Å"unrealistic optimism by the gambler† (Griffiths, 2001). For the most part people believe that optimism is a good way to live life by always seeing the positive things instead of dwelling on the negatives. Optimists are known to be less likely to suffer from depression symptoms following a stressful event and seem to have more psychological benefits when compared to pessimists. Although in terms of gambling, optimism can be counterproductive, â€Å"Optimists may be especially susceptible to maintaining illusory gambling expectations. Because of their generalized expectations for success, optimists may approach gambling with the belief that they can win. † (Gibson & Sanbonmatsu, 2004) Optimists may also have a tendency to look at the positive aspects in a situation which may prolong their gambling thinking that they will win it all back. Also, people who are risk takers are more prone to gambling addiction than someone who is more conservative. Not everyone is susceptible to becoming a pathological gambler and a great deal of the matter has to do with their personality type and how they look at different negative situations. Having a gambling addiction not only affects one’s social life but it can have a great impact on your mind and even cause physical difficulties. Pathological gamblers often suffer from stress-related disorders such as depression, insomnia, intestinal disorders and migraines. Health problems do not only occur from the gambling itself but a significant amount of people suffer problems from the withdrawal, â€Å"Rosenthal and Lesieur (1992) found that at least 65 percent of pathological gamblers reported at least one physical side-effect during withdrawal including insomnia, headaches, upset stomach, loss of appetite, physical weakness, heart racing, muscle aches, breathing difficulty and/or chills. † (Griffiths, 2001) It was also found that pathological gamblers experienced more physical withdrawal effects when attempting to stop than substance abusers who are attempting to quit. This is quite astonishing and again proves why gambling addiction is a very serious matter and should be considered just as much of a health problem as addiction to alcohol or other substances. Pathological gambling can cause great psychological damage and can cause people to do irrational things after a big loss which can sometimes even lead to suicide. Pathological gambling and suicide have been known to have a link to each other. Suicidal attempts among pathological gamblers are much more frequent than among the general public. The American Psychiatric Association did a study that with these results, â€Å"Of individuals in treatment for Pathological Gambling, 20% are reported to have attempted suicide, (American Psychiatric Association (APA))† (Penfold, Hatcher, Sullivan & Collins, 2006) For many gamblers, coping with the negative emotions relating to their issues in their life can be overwhelming. Feelings of shame, hopelessness and failure may be hard to bear which sometimes makes suicide seem like the best solution for their problems. The damage to the mental aspects is one of the reasons that make pathological gambling so dangerous. The act of gambling and casinos is a very controversial topic. There are some positive aspects to the casino and gambling that include a source of jobs and economic development. Gambling is meant to be for recreational use on occasion but it can also be very dangerous. Certain people with certain personality types and lifestyles may be prone to becoming a pathological gambler. The effects of pathological gambling can cause a lot of harm psychologically, destroy someone’s social and family life, cause physical damage to themselves which can even lead to their death. Gambling addiction may not be seen as dangerous or likely to happen as other addictions but the results from being a pathological gambler can be just as harmful as other addictions and should be considered just as much as a serious health issue as everything else. References: Griffiths, M. (1999). Gambling Technologies: Prospects for Problem Gambling. Journal of Gambling Studies, vol.15, no. 3, p. 265-283. Griffiths, M. (2001). Gambling: An Emerging Area of Concern for Health Psychologists. Journal of Psychology, vol. 6, no. 5, p. 477-479. Gibson, B. , & Sanbonmatsu, D. (2004). Optimism, Pessimism, and Gambling: The Downside of Optimism. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, vol. 30, no. 2, pp. 149-160. Coman, J. , Burrows, G. , & Evans, B. (1997). Stress and Anxiety as Factors in the Onset of Problem Gambling: Implications for Treatment. Stress Medicine, Vol. 13, no. 4, p. 235-244. Sevigny, S. , Ladouceur, R. , Jacques, C. , & Cantinotti, M. (2008). Links between Casino Proximity and Gambling Participation, Expenditure, and Pathology. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, vol. 22, no. 2, p. 295-301. Penfold, A. , Hatcher, S. , Sullivan, S. , & Collins, N. (2006) Gambling Problems and Attempted Suicide. Part 1. High Prevalence amongst Hospital Admissions. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, vol. 4, no. 3, p. 265-272. Gazel, R. , Rickman, D. , & Thompson, W. (2001) Casino Gambling and Crime: a Panel Study of Wisconsin Counties. Managerial and Decision Economics, vol. 22, no. 1-3, p. 65-75.